Damascus, May 24 (SANA) Syria’s Ministry of Education and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) discussed mechanisms to modernize vocational and technical education during a workshop held in Damascus on Sunday.
The discussions focused on aligning training programs with labor market requirements and reconstruction needs, with participation from vocational education specialists and representatives of chambers of industry.
Education Minister Mohammed Abdul Rahman Turko stressed the importance of updating curricula and strengthening practical training methods to improve graduates’ readiness for employment.
Sawsan Harastani, director of vocational and technical education, said the ministry was coordinating with chambers of industry and the private sector to identify in-demand specializations and address gaps in the current system.
She added that discussions also focused on expanding the dual education model, which combines classroom learning with company-based practical training.
Hamza al-Youssef, vocational education adviser at GIZ, said the agency had worked with Syria’s Directorate of Vocational Education to assess the sector and identify priorities for reform and development.
Mohammed al-Khaled, vice president of the Hama Chamber of Industry, said vocational school infrastructure and teacher training still required further development, while enrolment in dual education programs remained limited.
The Ministry of Education and GIZ previously discussed expanding cooperation in vocational and technical education development on Nov. 12.
GIZ is Germany’s main development agency and operates in more than 130 countries. Owned by the German federal government, it provides services in international development cooperation and education, with headquarters in Bonn and Eschborn.
M.F / ABD
